Miranda Hart Opens Up About 33-Year Battle with Lyme Disease

Miranda Hart, the acclaimed British comedian and actress, has shared her personal journey with Lyme disease, a condition that remained undiagnosed for 33 years. In her recent book, I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest With You, Hart reveals how the debilitating illness profoundly affected her life, leaving her bedbound at her worst. She described the experience as one that “took everything away” from her.

The 52-year-old actress, who was bitten by a tick during her teenage years while living in Virginia, USA, faced a multitude of health challenges including extreme fatigue, recurrent infections, joint pain, and cognitive difficulties. Initially, her symptoms were misdiagnosed as anxiety-related disorders, delaying a proper diagnosis until 2020, when she was finally identified as having reactivated Lyme disease. This revelation came during the Covid-19 pandemic and was met with relief, according to reports from the Mirror.

Misunderstood and Misjudged

Throughout her struggle, Hart expressed feelings of being “misunderstood and misjudged.” She emphasized that one of the most challenging aspects of living with a chronic illness is the lack of understanding from others. The star of Call the Midwife took a five-year hiatus from television, focusing on her health and personal well-being.

In her reflective moments, Hart has adopted a simpler lifestyle. “I just wake up and think ‘right, what am I going to do today?’,” she shared. Her daily activities now include walking her dog, spending time with her husband, Richard Fairs, and engaging in writing. This shift has allowed her to find joy in everyday moments, stating that she feels “much ‘free-er’ and happier” with her current routine.

New Beginnings and Creative Pursuits

Hart has come to appreciate the wisdom behind sayings like “you are not what you do” and “you can’t take it with you,” recognizing their truth only after experiencing significant suffering. She now embraces a manageable life that aligns with her values, prioritizing calmness and simplicity over a busy schedule filled with unfulfilling tasks.

Although her last major television work was in January 2020, Hart has not stepped away from the creative world. She is currently promoting her new novel, The Christmas Tree That Wanted to Dance, which aims to capture the festive spirit. As she balances her life with her new husband and their dog, Hart looks forward to sharing her stories and continuing her creative journey.

Her candid discussion about Lyme disease and the impact it has had on her life serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding chronic illnesses. With her latest book now available, Hart hopes to inspire others with her story of resilience and adaptation.